Description
This Penne Basil Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light summer dish combining fresh basil, crispy turkey bacon, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, it offers a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that are easy to prepare and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups penne pasta (high-quality)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables and Basil: Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and tear or chop the basil leaves to release their aroma.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, garlic powder (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled penne, chopped vegetables, turkey bacon, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Toss gently before serving and garnish with cracked black pepper and torn basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta just al dente to maintain a firm texture after chilling.
- Use fresh basil generously for best flavor.
- Chill the salad to allow dressing to infuse fully.
- Cook turkey bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness without burning.
- If salad feels dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: penne pasta salad, basil pasta salad, summer salad, turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad, refreshing pasta salad
